Why Modesto City Schools’ finalist for superintendent knows the district well

A Modesto High graduate, Vanessa Buitrago, is the finalist to become the next superintendent of the Modesto City Schools district.

Pending site visitation and Board of Education approval, Buitrago will replace current Superintendent Sara Noguchi, who in January announced her retirement.

Buitrago is the network deputy superintendent for Oakland Unified School District.

Prior to her time at Oakland Unified, she was an instructional assistant superintendent and a site principal for the School of Engineering and Sciences in the Sacramento City Unified School District. She also worked as a special education supervisor, a teacher and a university instructor.

Buitrago is expected to take over the Modesto position in July after board trustees approve her employment contract at a May 12 meeting.

“Becoming the superintendent of Modesto City Schools is a personal, not just professional, achievement,” Buitrago said in a news release. “I will work tirelessly with our board, staff and families to offer every student the conditions and experiences that will help them develop the skills, knowledge and character traits to thrive. Moreover, I hope to serve as a daily reminder to our young people that education opens doors, hard work matters, and striving toward high expectations and personal goals can lead to unimaginable opportunities regardless of where you come from.”

According to the district’s press release, it had 14 applicants, with four selected as finalists. The district noted that the board’s decision reflected input received from students, parents and its educational partners, which include the Modesto Teachers Association and California School Employee Association.

Buitrago’s history with Modesto City Schools dates back to when she attended Beard Elementary School and Roosevelt Junior High School. She graduated from Modesto High School in 2001 as a International Baccalaureate student.

Buitrago holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Sacramento State University, a master of arts in political science from San Diego State University and a master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of the Pacific.

Modesto City Schools’ Board President Abel Maestas spoke highly of Buitrago and what this means for the district moving forward.

“Dr. Buitrago has spent her career focused on improving education for all students,” Maestas said in the news release. “As a child, she was an English language learner determined to further her education, and has since helped countless students in Sacramento, San Diego and Oakland do the same. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Buitrago back home to Modesto and we are confident that her dedication will lead to continued progress for students.”

Noguchi said the board is confident in Buitrago’s ability to help the district.

“A warm embrace awaits Dr. Buitrago here in Modesto,” Noguchi said. “Her pursuits and achievements in life are a testament to the strong foundation that MCS schools are able to give our students, and I know our board is confident that Dr. Buitrago’s work will help MCS be that foundation for more and more students in the years to come.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM.